It is an incredibly active time in the NFL as teams scramble to finalize their 53-man rosters. A couple of shocking trades recently took place amidst all of the frenzy.
We didn’t foresee wide receiver Sammy Watkins getting shipped out west to the Los Angeles Rams, did we? With several teams already in desperation mode while others have valuable gems to dangle as bait, another wave of trades could be on tap.
We have dreamed up some potential blockbuster NFL trades – some realistic and some far-fetched — that would certainly set social media on fire.
Pittsburgh Steelers trade running back Le’Veon Bell to New York Giants
Bell, who is amidst of a holdout, wants to be paid like a top running back and No. 2 receiver to keep playing with the Steelers. He is not going to get his new contract now that the July 17th deadline has passed. But, maybe the rushing offense-deprived Giants, might be willing to pay for Bell’s future bills. Bell would drastically improve an anemic Giants run game. Meanwhile, the Steelers would be drama-free and could allow rookie running back James Connor to keep flourishing.
Cleveland Browns trade left tackle Joe Thomas to Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks were dealt a devastating blow on Friday when they lost left tackle George Fant with a torn ACL for the season. Since, they have traded with the Philadelphia Eagles for offensive tackle Matt Tobin. But, Tobin isn’t exactly starting caliber. Seattle could still benefit from a guy like 10-time Pro-Bowler Joe Thomas to protect franchise gem, Russell Wilson. Thomas could eventually retire as a Super Bowl champ. Plus, the Browns are always in the market for another first-round draft pick.
New England Patriots trade quarterback Tom Brady to San Francisco 49ers
Let’s point out that this trade falls on the obvious side of far-fetched. But, let’s just envision it taking place. Brady is 40 and playing out of his mind. But, he could suddenly hit that Peyton Manning-ish slump nobody wants to relive watching. Instead, head coach Bill Belichick decides to sell high while the going is good, and demands a king’s ransom. Brady would eventually retire back in his hometown and possibly with another ring. At the same time, the league’s best backup quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, begins a new era in New England.
Buffalo Bills trade running back LeSean McCoy to Green Bay Packers
The Packers are already off to a horrible start in their run game. Starter Ty Montgomery has averaged zero yards on three attempts. At the same time, quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been picking up the slack on the ground. Enter an elite back like McCoy and the Packers problems are solved. Shady is a dual-threat back who rushed for 5.4 yards per carry last year, while catching 87.7 percent of his targets. Just envision his capabilities working with Rodgers. Maybe Green Bay floats wideout Davante Adams the Bills’ way.
Indianapolis Colts trade quarterback Andrew Luck to Denver Broncos
Luck needs time to get healthy and the Colts need to start winning more now. The 27-year-old quarterback still commands top trade value due to his future potential. While he mends, the Broncos can survive with Trevor Siemian. Since the Broncos will have to pay grandly for Luck, maybe they offer a top defensive back and some high draft picks.
Indianapolis is crying for depth at secondary. The Colts could then sign the best free agent quarterback out there. Yes. Colin Kaepernick. He’s just as much of a dual-threat quarterback as Luck. In the end, John Elway will have nabbed a second Colts quarterback with Hall of Fame potential.
Washington Redskins trade quarterback Kirk Cousins to Cleveland Browns
Something fishy has been going on with Cousins and Washington since free agency. Commitment issues by possibly both parties have Cousins playing again under franchise tender. The Browns would absolutely be winning by bringing on Cousins. But, it might take giving up rookie DeShone Kizer and wideout Josh Gordon to strike the trade. Kizer has been impressive preseason and is a quarterback the Redskins can craft from scratch. In turn, Browns receive last year’s No. 3 ranked quarterback.
Cincinnati Bengals trade running back Jeremy Hill to Baltimore Ravens
Hill inevitably will be the odd-man out in Cincinnati with rookie Joe Mixon in the mix. So, why not strike a trade with an AFC South divisional rival in need of a healthy player? The Ravens boast a running back depth chart that is not very sexy. The suspended Kenneth Dixon and aging Danny Woodhead sit behind starter Terrance West. Hill offers a fresh set of legs and is surely worth a draft pick or two to acquire.
Chicago Bears trade quarterback Mark Sanchez to Jacksonville Jaguars
The Chicago Bears really don’t need Sanchez with rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky making Mike Glennon look like the backup. Just ask former Bears coach Mike Ditka. So, they could trade Sanchez dirt cheap to move him along. At the same time, the Jags would inherit a quarterback who helped orchestrate four consecutive playoff appearances (2009-12). Jacksonville just needs a quarterback to get it by for the 2017 season and win more games. Quarterback Blake Bortles is definitely not that guy and options are running out.
New York Jets trade defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to Los Angeles Chargers
Richardson has been the topic of trade rumors since free agency and the Chargers need help on defense. The Jets rid themselves of several players over the last few months, so what is one more guy? Clearing the pot-stirring Richardson out of New York might keep head coach Todd Bowles’ blood pressure under control.
The Chargers would receive a new defensive tackle to bolster a starting defense that has been getting annihilated this preseason. Perhaps in trade, the Chargers offer up Dontrelle Inman to add to the Jets’ nearly invisible receiving group.
Kansas City Chiefs trade quarterback Alex Smith to New York Jets
Tons of Chiefs fans want to see rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes under center this fall. Mahomes has been exciting to watch and has lived up to his post-draft hype 100 percent. So, why not the Chiefs ride the Mahomes train early and trade Smith while he is still very much hot himself?
The 33-year-old former first overall pick from 2005 still has plenty to offer. Smith is ions above the Jets’ depressing cast of quarterbacks. With little in player options to offer the Chiefs, the Jets would have to give up some high-round picks to snag Smith. Right now, it would be worth it.